Good Friday Prayer Journey

This past Good Friday we provided the community an opportunity to explore the last words of Jesus through a series of contemplative prayer stations.  All stations were inspired by the material provided by Brian Kirk and his blog www.rethinkingyouthministry.com.  

Good Friday Guide

Ministers Article for Church Newsletter

Are you remembering to pray for First Christian Church as we consider the journey God is leading us towards?  I have asked the Elders to begin brainstorming with me about ways the congregation can begin working together to prayerfully develop an understanding of what is next in the life of our church.  There are many things we must do before the picture of what that future may look like comes into focus.

 One area I believe God is calling us to work on is the way we treat each other as the body of Christ present in this church.  Church should be a place where people feel safe and know that they are not going to be treated badly.  Unfortunately we know this is not often the case with most churches.  But we are told in all four of the gospels that “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”  With that in mind I will be encouraging the leaders of our church (Elders and Board) to begin summarizing what they believe are the expected congregational behaviors that we should find within the church? 

I would like to give an example of an Expected Behavior Covenant that Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian has helped a church develop as he consulted with their congregation. 

 Discipleship Behaviors

1. We will treat each other with respect and compassion, speaking honestly and taking the time to listen to one another.
2. We will joyfully accept and embrace all people into our midst, practicing generosity of our time, our abilities, our financial gifts and our prayers for each other.
3. We will pursue agreement through honest interaction and then speak well of resulting decisions by the church and its leaders to build trust in fulfilling the united mission of the congregation.
4. We will practice peacemaking by following the teaching of Matthew 18:15-17.
5. We will be faithful in regular worship attendance, small group bible study and prayer, growing in spirit and grace, so that we experience the life transforming movement of God’s Spirit within us.
6. Leaders will model these behaviors of discipleship, being of one heart and soul, by continuing to grow in spirit and grace, inspiring others to come alongside.

As we look at creating our own covenant it make look similar or be radically different than this example.  Developing such a covenant within our church would be a first step in our journey towards being a transformational church that makes our vision and mission not only words on paper but something that is lived out as members of this church and the body of Christ. 

 Blessings and Peace to you!

 David Machon

Rob Bell

Guess I will jump in the boat.  Curious about what people are thinking.  I have just started the book and don't have any conclusions yet but I do feel he is asking rational questions. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20110414/us_time/08599206508000